Historic England has released its Heritage at Risk Register for 2022, with 175 historic buildings and site added. The Register is a summary of the critical health of some of England’s most historic landmarks.
There are 19 Birmingham buildings at risk of being lost this year. They can be found in the city centre and across out of town neighbourhoods and include a former libray, stately home and places of worship.
Charities, owners, local councils, and Historic England have also worked together to see historic places restored, re-used, and brought back to life.
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England said: “As the threat of climate change grows, the reuse and sensitive upgrading of historic buildings and places becomes ever more important.
“Finding new uses for buildings and sites rescued from the Register avoids the high carbon emissions associated with demolishing structures and building new.”
In 2021/22, Historic England awarded £8.66 million in repair grants to 185 sites on the Heritage at Risk Register. In addition to this, 15 sites have benefitted from £3.25 million in grants from the heritage at risk strand of the Culture Recovery Fund during 2021/22.
These grants help with emergency repairs to historic buildings and help protect the livelihoods of dedicated people who run and maintain the historically rich places.
These are the 19 Birmingham buildings at risk of being lost in 2022, along with Historic England’s description of the buildings and repairs needed.
17. Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul, Witton Lane, Aston
. The church is built in soft Hollington sandstone, which is very poor in places with open joints. The spire weight and tie need addressing, as do the rainwater goods throughout. Internally the timber block flooring is subject to rot and insect infestation and need replacing. | Google Street View
18. Church of St George, Westbourne Crescent, Edgbaston
The roof, rainwater goods and high level stonework were repaired and a scheme for masonry repairs to the vestry is now being planned but more high level stonework repairs are still needed. | Google Street View
19. Icknield Street School, Icknield Street, Hockley
The building is partly occupied on the ground floor as a Hindu temple for the purpose of worship and community use; the upper floors are vacant. The building is in poor condition generally: the steep slate roofs and valley gutters leak to the spaces below and the rainwater goods are in poor condition resulting in rainwater entry affecting both roof and walls. Negotiations between the owners, the Council, and the tenants are ongoing and essential surveys have taken place. Photo: Google Street View